“I have a strong background in counseling and understand that mutual respect between patient and provider is essential to care. I feel strongly that the best medicine is prevention.”

Board Certification(s)

  • Physician Assistant

Education

Graduate School

Yale University School of Medicine
Physician Associate Program
New Haven, CT

Undergraduate School

University of Maryland College Park
Neurobiology, Psychology
College Park, MD

Biogrpahy

Suzanne Castner, PA-C is a licensed PA (Physician Assistant) through the Maryland Board of Physicians, and is NCCPA certified. She received her double bachelor degrees in Psychology and Neurobiology from University of Maryland College Park, and subsequently earned her Master’s degree from Yale University’s School of Medicine Physician Associate program in December 2012. She has previously been a phone counselor for a peer counseling hotline, and understands the importance of empathy in medicine. Ms. Castner is native to the Howard County area and lives with her husband, children, and dogs. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing with her kids, baking, and watching her fish. She speaks English, Farsi (moderate proficiency), and Spanish (moderate proficiency).

Treatment Philosophy

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is difficult to feel truly heard. I love taking the time to help make my patients feel listened to and cared for. You are the center of this healthcare team, and it is through getting to know you that we will work best together. I feel strongly about clarifying goals, discussing options, and working together to choose what will work best for you.

Mental health and physical health are so closely interwoven. I am sensitive to my patients’ personal struggles and approach any issues with a warm heart and non judgemental demeanor. I am experienced in treating depression and anxiety, and find it so rewarding when my patients can finally enjoy their lives and feel more like themselves. Addressing both mind and body is so important to help someone truly feel well.

Prevention may be difficult, but it is worth the effort. I am particularly passionate about routine screenings – as an example, preventing cancer is so much easier than treating it after the fact, and treating osteoporosis can make it possible to avoid a devastating hip fracture. It is a joy to empower my patients to control (or eliminate) their diabetes, and help my patients quit smoking when they are ready.

I have a particular interest in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues. Surgery is nearly always a last resort, and there are often many options available to help alleviate your pain, including home exercises or attending physical therapy. If we can treat an issue early, it is so much more likely to improve quickly.

Finally, I am detail-oriented and pride myself on meticulous record-keeping so that everyone on the team will be on the same page. I look forward to seeing you in the office!

What is a PA?

PAs are highly-qualified licensed members of health care teams that obtain medical histories, perform physical exams and procedures, order and interpret tests, diagnose illnesses, order treatments, refer patients to specialists as needed, prescribe medication, and more. Like physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model and undergo periodic assessments of medical knowledge and continuing medical education throughout their careers. PAs collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide timely and appropriate care for a patient’s medical needs.